Bridgestone GTO

THE FABLED BRIDGESTONE GTO

SA MEMBER NEVILLE GRAY TAKES US THROUGH HIS STUNNING AND RARE BRIDGESTONE GTO.

The Holy Grail amongst Bridgestone owners is the elusive GTO 350 model. They were never officially imported into Australia while the GTR 350 was, landing here in small numbers from around 1968 to 1971 when Bridgestone production ceased in Japan for ever. All GTO’s in Australia have been privately imported ensuring their rarity. Being a proud owner of a 175 twin for many years, I conducted a frustrating 11 year search for the rare GTR model to no avail. Some wrecks were inspected but spares for all Bridgestones are hard to come by and to restore a wreck will definitely lead to a frustrating unfinished project. A casual ‘wanted’ plea on the VJMC National Website 18 months ago bought a reply from a member that was a fellow Bridgestone fanatic (as

all BS owners are) who knew of a GTR, possibly surplus to the current owners requirements. Phone numbers were exchanged and yes, he had a GTR that he may sell to me. On consequent phone calls it became apparent that an elusive GTO was also lurking in the garage and it also could possibly be for sale. Many photos were exchanged over the months and a price was eventually agreed to. Trailer in tow, I headed Interstate with a pocket full of cash to pick up my dream bike. It certainly was a stunner with just 3,000 miles on the clock and on return to Adelaide, a one day, light cosmetic restoration had it looking like new. There were the usual refurbishment problems with a hard to find broken wire, cracked tyres and stuffed battery etc, but nothing too traumatic. Now to get it on the road with the usual hassles with imported vehicles needing correct certification, but eventually all went well and it was on the road for the first time since 1971. Amazingly, it came with its original key fob that contained the name and phone number of its first owner from Elk River,

Minnesota USA. (The original owner has been contacted but never continued the liaison.) The first ride was a revelation. The power is very linear with a claimed 40hp on tap with no need to rev it to get forward momentum. The dry clutch issues a tortured scream when released and the

bike will leap forward with the front wheel in the air if the correct gentle release procedure is not adhered to. Often a little black patch on the pavement was left behind as evidence of that dry clutch. The gearing is amazing with 5,000 revs on the tacho at 60 mph with two gears to go. 4,000 revs in top equates to 70 mph with an upper red line limit of just 7,500 revs. Most riding in the fabulous Adelaide Hills is done in 4th and 5th gear. Consequently, petrol consumption is minimal with 22 kms per litre easily achieved helped no doubt by those efficient twin rotary disk valves. This is very unlike any other period two stroke,

especially my KH400 which barely makes it to 100 miles on a tank. Special quality additions like a small instrument light that comes on when in 5th gear, front lever activated brake light, cables having inbuilt grease nipples, make this machine unique. The

cylinder bores are chromed ensuring a long life and making them virtually seize proof. Engine cases exhibit a highly polished finish and the small amount of chrome is deep and lustrous. There are a few foibles that make ownership challenging. The seat height is a towering 830 cms making mounting when on the centre stand a real effort for old blokes. The mufflers stick well out on each side making riding a ‘wide leg’ affair and very uncomfortable after a while. Most Japanese motorcycle manufactures had a Street Scrambler on their model range in the late 60s and 70s but the Bridgestone GTO was special and stood out from the crowd. It was never meant to go off road as such but portray the image of toughness and versatility to those seeing it going by. The GTO certainly turns heads and has been quite successful at the various Bike Shows in and around South Australia. When I first got it, I was faced with a dilemma with what to do with it – ride it or place it on permanent display in the lounge room. My wife quickly solved that problem and it now gets out on sunny days and the mileage is happily racking up.